Electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

An electronic apparatus includes a housing and an airflow regulating device. The housing defines an accommodating space therein, and an air inlet that places the accommodating space in fluid communication with the external environment. The airflow regulating device includes a cover panel for covering and uncovering the air inlet, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the cover panel and driving movement of the cover panel to adjust the degree of opening of the air inlet in response to a change in temperature in the accommodating space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 12/428,111 filed Apr.22, 2009 which claims priority of Taiwanese application no. 097124345,filed on Jun. 27, 2008, and which applications are incorporated hereinby reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made toeach of the above disclosed applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an electronic apparatus, more particularly toan electronic apparatus including an airflow-regulating device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electronic apparatuses, such as desktop computers, servers, etc., inaddition to becoming increasingly powerful, are being designed toincreasingly reduced weights and sizes. As a result, heat-dissipatingmodules for such electronic apparatuses must also be reduced in sizeaccordingly. However, a smaller size for the heat-dissipating modulestypically translates into a drop in the effectiveness of the same, whichmay lead to crashing and other failures of the electronic apparatuses.

There are various heat-dissipating techniques that are currently beingemployed to remedy this problem, such as increasing fan rotational speedof the heat-dissipating module, using a large cooling fan with a thinprofile, and using a water-cooling system and heat pipes. However, eachof these approaches has a disadvantage as follows:

1. With respect to increasing fan rotational speed, since the number ofair inlets of the electronic apparatus is fixed, it is difficult toeffectively increase the amount of air induced into the electronicapparatus by increasing fan rotational speed. In addition, when thecooling fan is rotated at a high speed, noise and vibrations are easilygenerated.

2. With respect to the use of a large cooling fan with a thin profile,the housing of the electronic apparatus in this case must be formedhaving a large air inlet. This adversely affects the appearance of theelectronic apparatus and allows dust to be easily accumulated in theelectronic apparatus.

3. With respect to using a water-cooling system and heat pipes, such animplementation significantly increases the overall cost of theelectronic apparatus.

In order to increase the heat-dissipating efficiency of a notebookcomputer, a large air inlet may be formed in a bottom or side wall ofthe notebook computer for increasing air inflow into the same. However,this approach may result in the accumulation dust and other minuteobjects within the notebook computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide an electronicapparatus including an airflow regulating device that has a simplestructure and that can effectively increase the amount of air inflowinto a housing of the electronic apparatus, thereby enhancingheat-dissipating efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs of theelectronic apparatus.

The solution to the aforesaid drawbacks associated with the prior art isrealized through the use of the electronic apparatus of this inventionas described below. The electronic apparatus includes a housing and anairflow regulating device.

The housing defines an accommodating space therein and an air inlet influid communication with the accommodating space. The airflow regulatingdevice includes a cover panel for covering and uncovering the air inlet,and an actuating mechanism operable to drive movement of the cover panelto adjust the degree of opening of the air inlet in response to a changein the temperature in the accommodating space.

The solution to the aforesaid drawbacks is realized further through theuse of a motor controller for controlling operation of the actuatingmechanism to drive movement of the cover panel.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the airflow regulatingdevice further includes a temperature sensor, a keyboard controller, anda temperature-controlling circuit coupled to the temperature sensor, thekeyboard controller, and the motor controller, the temperature sensordetecting the temperature in the accommodating space and generating atemperature detection value corresponding to the temperature in theaccommodating space, the keyboard controller being configured withdifferent temperature settings, the temperature-controlling circuitbeing operable to receive the temperature detection value from thetemperature sensor, transmit the temperature detection value to thekeyboard controller, and receive a corresponding set value of one of thetemperature settings from the keyboard controller, thetemperature-controlling circuit generating a driving voltagecorresponding to the corresponding set value to control operation of themotor controller.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the motor controllergenerates a control signal corresponding to the driving voltage so as tocontrol operation of the actuating mechanism, such that the actuatingmechanism controls the amount of movement of the cover panel accordingto the temperature in the accommodating space to thereby control thedegree of opening of the air inlet.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, when the driving voltagegenerated by the temperature-controlling circuit corresponds to a presetvalue established in the motor controller, the motor controllergenerates a control signal to control operation of the actuatingmechanism to drive movement of the cover panel and thereby open the airinlet.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the cover panel is movablymounted to the housing, and the actuating mechanism includes a motorcoupled electrically to the motor controller, a pinion connected to anddriven by the motor, and a rack engaging the pinion so as to move thecover panel when the motor is actuated.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the housing has a side wallthat is formed with the air inlet, and a supporting bracket mountedinwardly from the air inlet, the supporting bracket being formed with anelongate guiding groove, the actuating mechanism further including apair of linkages that cross and that are pivoted to each other, each ofthe linkages having a pivot end pivoted to the cover panel, and aninsert end opposite to the pivot end and received slidably in theguiding groove, the rack being pivoted to the insert end of one of thelinkages so as to drive sliding movement of the insert ends in theguiding groove.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the housing has a side wallthat is formed with the air inlet, and a supporting bracket mountedinwardly from the air inlet, the actuating mechanism further including apair of linkages that are parallel to each other, each of the linkageshaving first and second pivot ends that are pivoted to the cover paneland the supporting bracket, respectively, one of the linkages beingformed with an elongate guiding hole, the rack having a tongueprotruding therefrom into and slidable along the guiding hole in the oneof the linkages.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the housing has a side wallthat is formed with the air inlet, and a supporting bracket mountedinwardly from the air inlet, the supporting bracket being formed with abracket thread hole, the actuating mechanism further including a drivinggear connected to and driven by the motor to rotate, a driven gearengaging and driven by the driving gear to rotate, and a threaded rodconnected to the cover panel and extending through and engagingthreadedly the bracket thread hole, the driven gear being formed with agear thread hole to which the threaded rod is engaged threadedly.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the housing has a side wallthat is formed with the air inlet, the cover panel being pivotablyconnected to the side wall, the actuating mechanism further including aconnecting part provided on the cover panel and formed with an elongateguiding slot, the rack having a tongue protruding therefrom into andslidable along the guiding slot.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the cover panel is pivotablyconnected to the housing and is provided with a first hook element, theactuating mechanism including a second hook element mounted on thehousing and engaging releasably the first hook element, and an urgingspring for urging the cover panel to move relative to the air inlet fromthe closed position to an open position.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the actuating mechanismfurther includes an actuating switch coupled electrically to the motorcontroller and capable of driving the second hook element so as todisengage from the first hook element.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the cover panel is pivotablyconnected to the housing and is provided with a first hook element, theactuating mechanism including a second hook element mounted on thehousing and engaging releasably the first hook element, and an urgingspring for urging the cover panel to move relative to the air inlet fromthe closed position to an open position, the second hook element beingpressable to move in a direction to disengage the first hook element.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the actuating mechanismfurther includes a mounting seat mounted on the housing and formed witha retaining hole, and a biasing spring received in the retaining hole,the second hook element extending into and through the retaining holeand having a hook end that engages releasably the first hook element,and a pressing end that is disposed opposite to the hook end, thebiasing spring biasing the second hook element for restoring the secondhook element to its original position. In the aforementioned electronicapparatus, the housing has a side wall that is formed with the airinlet, and a supporting bracket mounted inwardly from the air inlet, thesupporting bracket being formed with an elongate guiding groove, theactuating mechanism further including a pair of linkages that cross andthat are pivoted to each other, each of the linkages having a pivot endpivoted to the cover panel, and an insert end opposite to the pivot endand received slidably in the guiding groove, the actuating mechanismfurther including a pair of torsion springs, each of which abuts againstthe linkages in such a manner to drive sliding movement of the insertends of the linkages toward each other in the guiding groove.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the housing has a side wallthat is formed with the air inlet, and a supporting bracket mountedinwardly from the air inlet, the actuating mechanism further including apair of linkages that are parallel to each other, each of the linkageshaving first and second pivot ends that are pivoted to the cover paneland the supporting bracket, respectively, the actuating mechanismfurther including a pair of torsion springs, each of which abuts againsta respective one of the linkages and the supporting bracket so as todrive swinging movement of the linkages when the second hook element isdisengaged from the first hook element.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the housing has a side wallthat is formed with the air inlet, the cover panel being pivoted to theside wall, the actuating mechanism further including aspring-positioning seat mounted on an inner side of the side wall, theurging spring being in the form of a torsion spring that is secured tothe spring-positioning seat and that abuts against the cover panel.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the housing includes abottom wall formed with the air inlet, the cover panel being formed withan elongate hole, the actuating mechanism including a motor coupledelectrically to the motor controller, a pinion connected to and drivenby the motor, and a rack engaged with the pinion, the rack having atongue extending through and slidable along the elongate hole to controlrotation of the cover panel.

In the aforementioned electronic apparatus, the housing includes abottom wall formed with the air inlet, the cover panel being formed withan elongate hole, the actuating mechanism including an operating rodmounted in the housing and connected to the cover panel, the operatingrod having a tongue extending through and slidable along the elongatehole to control rotation of the cover panel.

With the inclusion of the airflow regulating device in the electronicapparatus of the invention, the amount of air inflow into theaccommodating space can be increased so as to enhance theheat-dissipating efficiency of the cooling fan. As a result, crashingand other problems due to poor heat dissipation may be avoided.Moreover, by realizing effective heat dissipation through the simplestructural design of the airflow regulating device, the use of aheat-dissipating module that is high in cost and complicated instructure is unneeded, and manufacturing costs are reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent inthe following detailed description of the embodiments with reference tothe accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of an electronicapparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of the first embodiment,illustrating a state in which a cover panel of an airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of the airflow regulating device ofthe first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the first embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at a first open position;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of the first embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at a second open position;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of the second embodiment of anelectronic apparatus according to the invention, illustrating a state inwhich a cover panel of an airflow regulating device is disposed at aclosed position, and first and second hook elements are disposed atengaging positions;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the second embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at the closed position, the first hook element isdisposed at the engaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the second embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at an open position, the first hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at the engaging position;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of the third embodiment of anelectronic apparatus according to the invention, illustrating a state inwhich a cover panel of an airflow regulating device is disposed at aclosed position, and first and second hook elements are disposed atengaging positions;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the third embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at the closed position, the first hook element isdisposed at the engaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view of the third embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at an open position, the first hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at the engaging position;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view of the fourth embodiment of anelectronic apparatus according to the invention, illustrating a state inwhich a cover panel of an airflow regulating device is disposed at aclosed position;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view of the fourth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at a first open position;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view of the fourth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at a second open position;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view of the fifth embodiment of anelectronic apparatus according to the invention, illustrating a state inwhich a cover panel of an airflow regulating device is disposed at aclosed position, and first and second hook elements are disposed atengaging positions;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view of the fifth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at the closed position, the first hook element isdisposed at the engaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view of the fifth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at an open position, the first hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at the engaging position;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view of the sixth embodiment of anelectronic apparatus according to the invention, illustrating a state inwhich a cover panel of an airflow regulating device is disposed at aclosed position, and first and second hook elements are disposed atengaging positions;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view of the sixth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at the closed position, the first hook element isdisposed at the engaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view of the sixth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at an open position, the first hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at the engaging position;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary sectional view of the seventh embodiment of anelectronic apparatus according to the invention, illustrating a state inwhich a cover panel of an airflow regulating device is disposed at aclosed position;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view of the seventh embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at a first open position;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary sectional view of the seventh embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at a second open position;

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary sectional view of the eighth embodiment of anelectronic apparatus according to the invention, illustrating a state inwhich a cover panel of an airflow regulating device is disposed at aclosed position;

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary sectional view of the eighth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at a first open position;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary sectional view of the eighth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at a second open position;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary sectional view of the ninth embodiment of anelectronic apparatus according to the invention, illustrating a state inwhich a cover panel of an airflow regulating device is disposed at aclosed position, and first and second hook elements are disposed atengaging positions;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary sectional view of the ninth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at the closed position, the first hook element isdisposed at the engaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position;

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary sectional view of the ninth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at an open position, the first hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at the engaging position;

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary sectional view of the tenth embodiment of anelectronic apparatus according to the invention, illustrating a state inwhich a cover panel of an airflow regulating device is disposed at aclosed position, and first and second hook elements are disposed atengaging positions;

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary sectional view of the tenth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at the closed position, the first hook element isdisposed at the engaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position;

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary sectional view of the tenth embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panel of the airflow regulatingdevice is disposed at an open position, the first hook element isdisposed at a disengaging position, and the second hook element isdisposed at the engaging position;

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary sectional view of the eleventh embodiment of anelectronic apparatus according to the invention, illustrating a state inwhich cover panels of an airflow regulating device are disposed at aclosed position;

FIG. 34 is a fragmentary sectional view of the eleventh embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panels of the airflow regulatingdevice are disposed at an open position;

FIG. 35 is a fragmentary sectional view of the twelfth embodiment of anelectronic apparatus according to the invention, illustrating a state inwhich cover panels of an airflow regulating device are disposed at aclosed position; and

FIG. 36 is a fragmentary sectional view of the eleventh embodiment,illustrating a state in which the cover panels of the airflow regulatingdevice are disposed at an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the invention is described in greater detail with reference tothe accompanying embodiments, it should be noted herein that likeelements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout thedisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the first embodiment of an electronic apparatus 100according to the invention is shown to include a housing 10 and anairflow regulating device 20. The housing 10 defines an accommodatingspace 11, and an air inlet 12 that places the accommodating space 11 influid communication with the external environment. The airflowregulating device 20 is used to adjust the degree of opening of the airinlet 12 so as to vary the amount of air inflow into the accommodatingspace 11. In this embodiment, the electronic apparatus 100 is a computerhost or a server. However, in some embodiments, the electronic apparatus100 may be a projector or any other type of electronic apparatus thatgenerates a large amount of heat during operation and that requires agood heat-dissipating mechanism.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 10 has a side wall 13 that isformed with the air inlet 12, and a supporting bracket 14 mounted at aninner side of the side wall 13 and connected to the side wall 13. Theairflow regulating device 20 includes a cover panel 2 for covering anduncovering the air inlet 12, and an actuating mechanism 3 operable todrive movement of the cover panel 2 to adjust the degree of opening ofthe air inlet 12. The supporting bracket 14 is formed with an elongateguiding groove 141. The actuating mechanism 3 further includes a pair oflinkages 31 that cross and that are pivoted to each other. Each of thelinkages 31 has a pivot end 311 pivoted to the cover panel 2, and aninsert end 312 opposite to the pivot end 311 and received slidably inthe guiding groove 141. The insert ends 312 of the two linkages 31 areslidable along the guiding groove 141 to move closer together or fartherapart so as to move the cover panel 2 relative to the side wall 13. Theactuating mechanism 3 further includes a motor 32 mounted in theaccommodating space 11, a pinion 33 connected to and driven by the motor32, and a rack 34 meshing with the pinion 33. As shown in FIG. 2, therack 34 is disposed to the right of the guiding groove 141, and isconnected pivotally to the insert end 312 of one of the linkages 31. Assuch, rotation of the pinion 33 results in movement of the rack 34, andthe rack 34 causes the insert ends 312 of the linkages 31 to move alongthe guiding groove 141. Therefore, the rotational angle between thelinkages 31 may be controlled to vary movement of the cover panel 2relative to the air inlet 12, and ultimately adjust the opening degreeof the air inlet 12.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the airflow regulating device 20. Asshown in FIG. 3, in combination with FIG. 2, the airflow regulatingdevice further includes a motor controller 5 coupled electrically to themotor 32 of the actuating mechanism 3, a temperature sensor 6, akeyboard controller 7, and a temperature-controlling circuit 8 coupledto the temperature sensor 6, the keyboard controller 7, and the motorcontroller 5. The temperature sensor 6 is used to detect the temperaturein a specific area (such as a specific region or a specific electroniccomponent) of the accommodating space 11. In this embodiment, an exampleis provided in which the temperature sensor 6 is used to detect thetemperature of a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown). The motorcontroller 5 includes a driving circuit for controlling operation of themotor 32 of the actuating mechanism 3. The temperature sensor 6generates different temperature detection values corresponding totemperature changes generated during operation of the CPU, and transmitseach of the temperature detection values to the temperature-controllingcircuit 8. The temperature-controlling circuit 8 then transmits thedifferent temperature detection values to the keyboard controller 7, andthe keyboard controller 7 feeds back a corresponding set value to thetemperature-controlling circuit 8, such that the temperature-controllingcircuit 8 generates a corresponding driving voltage according to thecorresponding set value. The temperature-controlling circuit 8 thentransmits the driving voltage to a cooling fan 9 and the motorcontroller 5. Therefore, the cooling fan 9 may be rotated at differentspeeds according to the different temperatures of the CPU to therebydissipate heat from the same. Further, the motor controller 5 generatesa control signal for controlling operation of the motor 32 of theactuating mechanism 3 according to the driving voltage, such that themotor 32 and the pinion 33 are able to move the rack 34 by differentdistances according to differences in the control signal, therebyadjusting the opening degree of the air inlet 12.

In greater detail, when the temperature sensor 6 detects a temperatureof the CPU of, for instance, 50 degrees, the keyboard controller 7performs feedback of a corresponding set value, such that thetemperature-controlling circuit 8 generates a driving voltage of, forinstance, 3.5V for controlling rotational speed of the cooling fan 9 andsimultaneously the operation of the motor controller 5. At this time,the motor controller 5 does not operate the motor 32 so that the coverpanel 2 remains in a closed position as shown in FIG. 2, and the coolingfan 9 draws air from outside the housing 10 into the accommodating space11 through air inlet ports (not shown) formed in another part of thehousing 10 so as to cool the CPU. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, when thetemperature sensor 6 detects an increase in the temperature of the CPUto, for instance, 60 degrees, the keyboard controller 7 performsfeedback of a corresponding set value to the temperature-controllingcircuit 8 so that the temperature-controlling circuit 8 generates adriving voltage of, for instance, 4V, to increase the rotational speedof the cooling fan 9 and simultaneously control operation of the motorcontroller 5. The motor controller 5 generates a control signal tocontrol operation of the motor 32 such that the rack 34 is driven in afirst direction (I) to move the insert end 312 of one of the linkages31. Since the pivot end 311 of the other linkage 31 is pivotallyconnected to the cover panel 2 and the insert end 312 thereof is limitedto move within the guiding groove 141, and the two linkages 31 arepivoted to each other, when the rack 34 drives one of the insert ends312, this causes the two linkages 31 to drive the cover panel 2 in asecond direction (II) to a first open position as shown in FIG. 4,thereby resulting in an increase in the opening degree of the air inlet12 and an increase in the amount of air inflow into the accommodatingspace 11 for cooling the CPU. Subsequently, when the temperature sensor6 detects an increase in the temperature of the CPU to, for instance, 70degrees, the keyboard controller 7 performs feedback of a correspondingset value to the temperature-controlling circuit 8 so that thetemperature-controlling circuit 8 generates a driving voltage of, forinstance, 4.5V, to increase the rotational speed of the cooling fan 9and simultaneously operate the motor controller 5. The motor controller5 generates a control signal to control operation of the motor 32 suchthat the rack 34 is further driven by the motor 32 in the firstdirection (I) so as to move the insert ends 312 of the linkages 31further toward each other and to move the cover panel 2 further in thesecond direction (II) from the first open position to a second openposition as shown in FIG. 5, thereby further increasing the openingdegree of the air inlet 12 and the amount of air inflow into theaccommodating space 11.

With the increase in the rotational speed of the cooling fan 9 and inthe opening degree of the air inlet 12, the heat-dissipating efficiencyof the cooling fan 9 is enhanced, and crashing of the electronicapparatus 100 due to poor heat dissipation can be avoided. Moreover,with the inclusion of the airflow regulating device 20, which has arelatively simple structure, in the electronic apparatus 100 of thisinvention, the use of a heat-dissipating module that is high in cost andcomplicated in structure is avoided. As such, the manufacturing costs ofthe electronic apparatus 100 can be significantly reduced. Furthermore,since the airflow regulating device 20 is disposed in the housing 10 andsince an outer surface of the cover panel 2 of the airflow regulatingdevice 20 is flush with an outer surface of the side wall 13 of thehousing 10 when the cover panel 2 is disposed at the closed position,the appearance of the electronic apparatus 100 is not adversely affectedby the airflow regulating device 20.

It is to be noted that while an example is given in this embodiment inwhich the temperature of the CPU slowly increases, in actual operation,the temperature of the CPU may fluctuate higher and lower. Therefore,the motor 32 is able to move the rack 34 in the first direction (I) orin a direction opposite to the first direction (I) such that the openingdegree of the air inlet 12 may be controlled in accordance with theoperating temperature of the CPU. In addition, although the temperaturesensor 6 is described as detecting only three temperatures of the CPU of50, 60, and 70 degrees, and the temperature-controlling circuit 8 isdescribed as generating three corresponding voltage values, in practice,the temperature sensor 6 may detect higher or lower temperatures. Hence,the detected values and corresponding voltages maybe varied as needed,and the movement of the cover panel 2 may be varied in a greater numberof states. The invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosedabove.

FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate the second embodiment of the electronicapparatus 100 of this invention. The connection between the cover panel2 and the supporting bracket 14 of the second embodiment is similar tothat of the previous embodiment. However, the design and the operationof the actuating mechanism 3 of the second embodiment are different fromthose of the previous embodiment.

In the second embodiment, an inner side of the cover panel 2 is providedwith a first hook element 21. The actuating mechanism 3 further includesan actuating switch 35 coupled electrically to the motor controller 5, asecond hook element 36 connected pivotably to the actuating switch 35and engaging releasably the first hook element 21, and a pair of urgingsprings 37. Each of the urging springs 37 is a torsion spring, and hastwo opposite spring arms 371 abutting against the linkages 31,respectively, so as to provide an urging force in a manner to drivesliding movement of the insert ends 312 of the linkages 31 in theguiding groove 141 and thereby to urge the cover panel 2 to moverelative to the air inlet 12 from the closed position to an openposition. In this embodiment, the motor controller 5 is a control devicethat is configured such that when one of the driving voltage valuesgenerated by the temperature-controlling circuit 8 (see FIG. 3)corresponds to a preset value established in the motor controller 5, themotor controller 5 generates a control signal to actuate the actuatingswitch 35 to drive pivotal movement of the second hook element 36 todisengage from the first hook element 21, thereby permitting pivotalmovement of the linkages 31 relative to each other and movement of thecover panel 2 relative to the air inlet 12 from the closed position (seeFIG. 6) to the open position (see FIG. 8) through the urging force ofthe urging springs 37 urging against the linkages 31. It is to be notedthat the preset values of the motor controller 5 can be established tovalues, such as 3.5V, 4V, 4.5V, or other values based on actualrequirements.

FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate the third embodiment of the electronicapparatus 100 of this invention. The connection between the cover panel2 and the supporting bracket 14 of the third embodiment is similar tothat in the second embodiment. However, the design and the operation ofthe actuating mechanism 3 of the third embodiment are different fromthose of the previous embodiments.

In the third embodiment, the actuating mechanism 3 further includes amounting seat 38 mounted on the housing 10 and formed with a retaininghole 381, and a biasing spring 39. The mounting seat 38 further includesa partition plate 384 dividing the retaining hole 381 into first andsecond retaining sections 382, 383. The biasing spring 39 is disposed inthe second retaining section 383. The second hook element 36 extendsinto and through the first and second retaining sections 382, 383 andthe biasing spring 39, and has a hook end 361 that engages releasablythe first hook element 21, and a pressing end 362 that is disposedopposite to the hook end 361 and that extends outwardly through thesecond retaining section 383. The second hook element 36 is pressable tomove from an engaging position (see FIG. 9) to a disengaging position(see FIG. 10) so as to permit movement of the first hook element 21together with the cover panel 2 from an engaging position (see FIG. 10)to a disengaging position (see FIG. 11). In this embodiment, the biasingspring 39 is a compression spring, and provides a biasing force betweenthe partition plate 384 and the pressing end 362 of the second hookelement 36 for restoring the second hook element 36 from the disengagingposition to its original position, i.e., the engaging position.

In operation, when the pressing end 362 of the second hook element 36 ispressed through driving means (not shown) in response to a temperaturechange in the accommodating space 11 so as to drive the second hookelement 36 to disengage from the first hook element 21 to release thecover panel 2, the urging force of the urging springs 37 then urges thelinkages 31 to pivot relative to each other to move the cover panel 2from a closed position (see FIG. 10) to an open position (see FIG. 11).In some embodiments, the hook element 36 may be manually operated by auser to disengage from the first hook element 21.

FIG. 12 illustrates the fourth embodiment of the electronic apparatus100 according to this invention. The manner in which the motorcontroller 5 controls the motor 32 of the fourth embodiment is similarto that of the first embodiment. However, the connection between thecover panel 2 and the supporting bracket 14 of the fourth embodiment isdifferent from that of the first embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the actuating mechanism 3 includes a pair oflinkages 40 that are parallel to each other, and that extend a directiondifferent from and form an angle with the cover panel 2. Each of thelinkages 40 has first and second pivot ends 401, 402 that are pivoted tothe cover panel 2 and the supporting bracket 14, respectively. One ofthe linkages 40 disposed adjacent to the rack 34 is formed with anelongate guiding hole 403. The rack 34 has a tongue 341 protrudingtherefrom into and slidable along the guiding hole 403 in said one ofthe linkages 40. When the temperature sensor 6 (see FIG. 3) detects aCPU temperature of, for instance, 50 degrees, the motor controller 5performs control such that the motor 32 is not operated, so that thecover panel 2 remains at its original position, i.e., a closed positionas shown in FIG. 12. At this time, the tongue 341 of the rack 34 isdisposed at a top end of the guiding hole 403. When the temperaturesensor 6 subsequently detects a CPU temperature of, for instance, 60degrees, the motor controller 5 controls the motor 32 to drive the rack34 to move in a direction (III) so as to drive swinging movement of thelinkages 40 and movement of the cover panel 2 along a curved direction(V) to a first open position as shown in FIG. 13. At this time, thetongue 341 of the rack 34 is disposed at a central location of theguiding hole 403. When the temperature sensor 6 subsequently detects aCPU temperature of, for instance, 70 degrees, the motor controller 5controls the motor 32 to drive the rack 34 to move further in thedirection (III) so as to drive swinging movement of the linkages 40 andmovement of the cover panel 2 further along the curved direction (IV)from the first open position to a second open position as shown in FIG.14. At this time, the tongue 341 of the rack 34 is disposed at a bottomend of the guiding hole 403.

FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate the fifth embodiment of the electronicapparatus 100 according to this invention. The manner in which the motorcontroller 5 controls the actuating switch 35 of the actuating mechanism3 of the fifth embodiment is similar to that of the second embodiment,and the connection between the cover panel 2 and the supporting bracket14 of the fifth embodiment is similar to that of the fourth embodiment.However, in the fifth embodiment, the urging springs 37 of the actuatingmechanism 3 are disposed at positions different from those of the urgingsprings 37 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the spring arms317 of each of the urging springs 37 abut against a respective one ofthe linkages 40 and the supporting bracket 14, respectively. As such,when the second hook element 36 is disengaged from the first hookelement 21 to release the cover panel 2, the urging force of the urgingsprings 37 causes the linkages 40 to swing so as to move the cover panel2 from a closed position (see FIG. 16) to an open position (see FIG.17).

FIGS. 18 to 20 illustrate the sixth embodiment of the electronicapparatus 100 according to this invention. The manner in which thesecond hook element 36 of the actuating mechanism 3 of the sixthembodiment operates is similar to that of the third embodiment, and theconnection between the cover panel 2 and the supporting bracket 14 ofthe sixth embodiment is similar to that of the fifth embodiment. Inoperation, when the pressing end 362 of the second hook element 36 isoperated such that the hook end 361 thereof disengages from the firsthook element 21, the urging force of the urging springs 37 urges thelinkages 40 to pivot so as to move the cover panel 2 from a closedposition (see FIG. 19) to an open position (see FIG. 20).

FIG. 21 illustrates the seventh embodiment of the electronic apparatus100 according to this invention. The manner in which the motorcontroller 5 controls the motor 32 of the seventh embodiment is similarto that of the first embodiment. However, the design and operation ofthe actuating mechanism 3 of the seventh embodiment are different fromthose of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the supporting bracket 14 is formed with a bracketthread hole 142. The actuating mechanism 3 includes a driving gear 41connected to and driven by the motor 32 to rotate, a driven gear 42engaging and driven by the driving gear 41 to rotate relative to thehousing 10 and formed with a gear thread hole 421, and a threaded rod 43disposed in the housing 10, connected to the cover panel 2, andextending through and engaging threadedly the bracket thread hole 142 inthe supporting bracket 14. The threaded rod 43 further extends throughand engages threadedly the gear thread hole 421 in the driven gear 42.When the temperature sensor 6 (see FIG. 3) detects a CPU temperature of,for instance, 50 degrees, the motor controller 5 performs control suchthat the motor 32 is not activated, thereby maintaining the cover panel2 at a closed position (see FIG. 21). When the temperature sensor 6subsequently detects a CPU temperature of, for instance, 60 degrees, themotor controller 5 controls the motor 32 to rotate the driving gear 41,which, in turn, rotates the driven gear 42. This causes simultaneousrotation of the threaded rod 43 along a rotational direction (V) andaxial movement of the threaded rod 43 along the axis thereof, which, inturn, causes movement of the cover panel 2 to a first open position (seeFIG. 22). When the temperature sensor 6 subsequently detects a CPUtemperature of, for instance, 70 degrees, the motor controller 5controls the motor 32 to cause rotation of the driving gear 41, rotationof the driven gear 42, rotational movement of the threaded rod 43 alongthe rotational direction (V), axial movement of the threaded rod 43, andaxial movement of the cover panel 2 from the first open position to asecond open position (see FIG. 23).

FIG. 24 illustrates the eighth embodiment of the electronic apparatus100 according to this invention. The manner in which the motorcontroller 5 controls the motor 32 is similar to that of the firstembodiment. However, in this embodiment, the supporting bracket 14 isdispensed with and the cover panel 2 is connected to the side wall 13 ofthe housing 10 in a manner different from that of the cover panel 2 tothe supporting bracket 14 of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the cover panel 2 is pivoted to a periphery of theair inlet 12 in the side wall 13 of the housing 10. The actuatingmechanism 3 further includes a connecting part 44 provided on the coverpanel 2 adjacent to where the cover panel 2 pivots and formed with anelongate guiding slot 441. The rack 34 has a tongue 341 protrudingtherefrom into the guiding slot 441 and slidable along the guiding slot441. When the temperature sensor 6 (see FIG. 3) detects a CPUtemperature of, for instance, 50 degrees, the motor controller 5controls the motor 32 so that the motor 32 is not activated, such thatthe cover panel 2 remains at a closed position (see FIG. 24) coveringthe air inlet 12. At this time, the tongue 341 of the rack 34 isdisposed adjacent to a right end of the guiding slot 441. When thetemperature sensor 6 subsequently detects a CPU temperature of, forinstance, 60 degrees, the motor controller 5 controls the motor 32 todrive movement of the rack 34 in a vertical direction as well as slidingmovement of the tongue 341 along the guide slot 441 so as to causerotation of the cover panel 2 in a rotational direction (VI) to a firstopen position (see FIG. 25). At this time, the tongue 341 of the rack 34is disposed at a position adjacent to a central point of the guidingslot 441. When the temperature sensor 6 subsequently detects a CPUtemperature of, for instance, 70 degrees, the motor controller 5controls the motor 32 to cause further movement of the rack 34 andmovement of the tongue 341 along the guiding slot 441, such that thecover panel 2 rotates in the rotational direction (VI) from the firstopen position to a second open position (see FIG. 26). At this time, thetongue 341 of the rack 34 is disposed at a left end of the guiding slot441.

FIGS. 27 to 29 illustrate the ninth embodiment of the electronicapparatus 100 according to this invention. The manner in which the motorcontroller 5 controls the actuating switch 35 of the actuating mechanism3 is similar to that of the second embodiment, and the connectionbetween the cover panel 2 and the side wall 13 is similar to that of theeighth embodiment. However, the ninth embodiment uses an urging spring37 to replace an assembly of the motor 32, the rack 34, and the pinion33 of the actuating mechanism 3 for driving movement of the cover panel2.

In this embodiment, the housing 10 has a spring-positioning seat 131mounted on a periphery of the air inlet 12 at an inner side of the sidewall 13. The urging spring 37 is in the form of a torsion spring havingone arm 371 secured to the spring-positioning seat 131, and the otherarm 371 abutting against the cover panel 2. As such, when the secondhook element 36 is moved to disengage from the first hook element 21,the urging force of the urging spring 37 drives rotation of the coverpanel 2 in a rotational direction (VI) from a closed position (see FIG.28) to an open position (see FIG. 29).

FIGS. 30 to 32 illustrate the tenth embodiment of the electronicapparatus 100 according to this invention. The manner in which thesecond hook element 36 of the actuating mechanism 3 operates is similarto that of the third embodiment, and the connection between the coverpanel 2 and the side wall 13 is similar to that of the ninth embodiment.In operation, when the pressing end 362 of the second hook element 36 isoperated such that the hook end 361 is disengaged from the first hookelement 21, the urging force of the urging spring 37 urges the coverpanel 2 to rotate in a rotational direction (VI) from a closed position(see FIG. 31) to an open position (see FIG. 32).

FIG. 33 illustrates the eleventh embodiment of the electronic apparatus100 according to this invention. In this embodiment, the electronicapparatus 100 is a notebook computer. The eleventh embodiment differsfrom the previous embodiments in structural design and operation.

In this embodiment, the housing 10′ includes a bottom wall 15 formedwith three air inlets 12 spaced apart from one another. The airflowregulating device 20 includes three cover panels 2′ for covering the airinlets 12, respectively. Each of the cover panels 2′ is formed with anelongate hole 22. The rack 34′ has a toothed portion 342, and three armportions 343 spaced apart from each other and extending from the toothedportion 342. Each of the arm portions 343 has a tongue 344 at an endthereof extending into and slidable along the elongate hole 22 in arespective one of the cover panels 2′. In operation, when one of thedriving voltage values generated by the temperature-controlling circuit8 (see FIG. 3) corresponds to a preset value established in the motorcontroller 5, the motor controller 5 generates a control signal toactuate the motor 32 to drive movement of the rack 34′ along a direction(VII) and to cause sliding movement of the tongue 344 of each of the armportions 343 from the left to the right of the respective elongate hole22, which, in turn, results in rotation of the respective cover panel 2′in a rotational direction (VIII) from the closed position to the openposition as shown in FIG. 34. It is to be noted that the number of theair inlets 12 and the number of the cover panels 2′ are not limited towhat are disclosed hereinabove, and can be varied as needed.

FIG. 35 illustrates the twelfth embodiment of the electronic apparatus100 according to this invention. The structure of this embodiment issimilar to that of the eleventh embodiment. However, the operation ofthe actuating mechanism 3 in this embodiment is different from that ofthe eleventh embodiment.

The actuating mechanism 3 includes an operating rod 45 mounted in thehousing 10′. The operating rod 45 includes main body 451, and three armportions 452 extending in a slanted configuration from the main body452. An operating portion 453 is formed on the main body 451 thatprotrudes from the housing 10′. Each of the arm portions 452 has atongue 454 at an end thereof extending into and slidable along theelongate hole 22 in a respective one of the cover panels 2′. When theuser pulls on the operating portion 453 in a rightward direction, i.e.,the direction (VII), the tongue 454 of each of the arm portions 452slides from the left to the right of the respective elongate hole 22.When the tongue 454 of each of the arm portions 452 slides to thefurthermost rightward end of the respective elongate hole 22, therespective cover panel 2′ is rotated in the rotational direction (VIII)from the closed position shown in FIG. 35 to the open position as shownin FIG. 36.

In the foregoing embodiments, with the inclusion of the airflowregulating device 20 in the electronic apparatus 100, the amount of airinflow into the accommodating space 11 can be increased so as to enhancethe heat-dissipating efficiency of the cooling fan 9. As a result,crashing and other problems due to poor heat dissipation maybe avoided.Moreover, by realizing effective heat dissipation through the simplestructural design of the airflow regulating device 20, the use of aheat-dissipating module that is high in cost and complicated instructure is unneeded, and manufacturing costs are reduced.

While the invention has been described in connection with what areconsidered the most practical and embodiments, it is understood thatthis invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but isintended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all suchmodifications and equivalent arrangements.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a housing defining an accommodating space therein, and an air inlet that places said accommodating space in fluid communication with the external environment; and an airflow regulating device including a cover panel for covering and uncovering said air inlet, and an actuating mechanism coupled to said cover panel and driving movement of said cover panel to adjust the degree of opening of said air inlet in response to a change in temperature in said accommodating space; wherein said airflow regulating device further includes a motor controller for controlling operation of said actuating mechanism to drive movement of said cover panel; wherein said airflow regulating device further includes a temperature sensor, a keyboard controller, and a temperature-controlling circuit coupled to said temperature sensor, said keyboard controller, and said motor controller, said temperature sensor detecting the temperature in said accommodating space and generating a temperature detection value corresponding to the temperature in said accommodating space, said keyboard controller being configured with different temperature settings, said temperature-controlling circuit being operable to receive said temperature detection value from said temperature sensor, transmit said temperature detection value to said keyboard controller, and receive a corresponding set value of one of said temperature settings from said keyboard controller, said temperature-controlling circuit generating a driving voltage corresponding to said corresponding set value to control operation of said motor controller; wherein when said driving voltage generated by said temperature-controlling circuit corresponds to a preset value established in said motor controller, said motor controller generates a control signal to control operation of said actuating mechanism to drive movement of said cover panel and thereby open said air inlet; wherein said cover panel is pivotably connected to said housing and is provided with a first hook element, said actuating mechanism including a second hook element mounted on said housing and engaging releasably said first hook element, and an urging spring for urging said cover panel to move relative to said air inlet from the closed position to an open position.
 2. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating mechanism further includes an actuating switch coupled electrically to said motor controller and capable of driving said second hook element so as to disengage from said first hook element.
 3. The electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing has a side wall that is formed with said air inlet, and a supporting bracket mounted at an inner side of said side wall, said supporting bracket being formed with an elongate guiding groove, said actuating mechanism further including a pair of linkages that cross and that are pivoted to each other, each of said linkages having a pivot end pivoted to said cover panel, and an insert end opposite to said pivot end and received slidably in said guiding groove, said actuating mechanism further including a pair of torsion springs, each of which abuts against said linkages in such a manner to drive sliding movement of said insert ends of said linkages toward each other in said guiding groove. 